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A Structured Approach for More Effective Assessment, Treatment Planning and Interventions for Trauma Based on the ACEs Study

I once worked with a client who was diagnosed with panic disorder after experiencing a horrific car accident. Utilizing traditional talk therapy over the course of nine months, it became clear that her symptoms were not improving; in fact, they were getting worse.

She was no longer working, avoided driving or riding in cars, had gained weight, developed chronic pain and suffered from insomnia – all while in treatment where she was supposed to be getting better! I was at a loss as to where to go with therapy.

Then (at last!) there was a breakthrough! It didn’t happen by accident – I had discovered a new approach for assessment based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study and implemented it with this client. Together we uncovered a long history of traumatic experiences that were the foundation of her symptoms – not only the car accident.

Based on this, we charted a very specific course of treatment and, within just 8 sessions, her symptoms had dramatically improved. She was back to work, driving with minimal distress, was panic-free, sleeping adequately and had begun exercising! Success!

Watch this highly experiential training to learn this strengths-based approach that is grounded in multiple empirically-based disciplines, including EMDR, CBT, MBSR and positive psychology.

Objectives

Incorporate ACEs into your intake to allow for a more effective trauma associated with your clients.

Determine how adverse experiences, including ACEs, impact human development and how traumatic material can create developmental gaps in emotional development in your clients.

Incorporate the easy-to-use timeline method of assessment and treatment planning to better understand your clients’ history and how you can more effectively treat them.

Model how to gather important information about your client that will help to build upon their positive traits and experiences; then help them link these experiences to core beliefs that are more adaptive for success in treatment.

Integrate mindfulness skills, relational and communication skills, imagery, and grounding skills to help your clients reduce the intensity of the memory of their traumatic disturbance.

Determine how to help your clients take the adaptive foundation they have uncovered and use that to transform how they cope with disturbing or adverse experiences.

Integrate this assessment approach with several different therapy modalities to effectively help your clients in fewer sessions.

Author

DANIEL MITCHELL, PH.D.

Daniel Mitchell, PhD, is a licensed psychologist at a busy medical practice in central Vermont. He has advanced training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR as an EMDRI certified therapist.

He has been in practice for over 15 years in a variety of settings including community mental health, hospitals, medical practices, and corrections. He employs a fully integrated Mind Body Medicine approach to both his professional and personal practice.

Dan has also had a passion for clinicians in “the trenches” of mental healthcare, a driving force behind he desires to teach techniques and processes that have made his job easier and improved outcomes for his patients.

Continuing Education Credits

CEs may be available for select professions, as listed in the target audience. Hours will be dependent on the actual recording time. Please check with your state licensing board or organization for specific requirements.

There may be an additional fee for CE certificates. Please contact our Customer Service at 1-800-844-8260 for more details.

**Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of mental health professionals. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professions standards.